Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

Theresa Carpine

•   1st Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade
  

  Erin Go Bragh! You might hear a lot of folks in Bellingham chanting this Gaelic phrase, roughly translated as "Ireland Forever," this weekend. Although St. Patrick's Day is still a few days away, Saturday, March 13, 2010 will mark the 1st Annual Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade at noon in downtown Bellingham. What inspired some Bellingham locals to found this exciting community event?

•   Frugal Fun for Birthday Parties at Home
  

  The focus on frugality is popular these days. But just because your family is on a budget, that doesn't mean you want to skimp on birthday celebrations for your kids. From crafty snack time to a DIY "drive-in" movie, there are plenty of ways to make your child's birthday special without breaking the family bank. Here are some ideas for fun birthday party activities that can be enjoyed by kids from preschool to pre-teen.

•   Mentorship Opportunities in Bellingham
  

  Rearing your own children is a full time job, so you're probably thinking that the last thing you have the time or energy for is mentoring. But lots of ways to support the youth in Bellingham. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington, Communities in Schools of Whatcom County, and 4-H Youth Programs are just a few organizations that provide opportunities to make a difference for kids in our community.

•   What's Up on MLK, Jr. Day in Bellingham?
  

  Kids might simply be excited for a day off from school, but many organizations and businesses in Bellingham want everyone in our community to remember why we celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday of each January. Check out one of the following activities for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Bellingham on Monday, January 18, 2010.

•   Searching for Baby Names
  

  There’s no right or wrong way to go about picking a name for your baby. Your friends and family are entitled to their opinions, of course, but once the little one is actually introduced into the world with whatever moniker you’ve selected, they’ll get used to the name...or attempt to give the child a nickname that they find more palatable. As you wonder where to begin with finding the right name for your child, here are a few hints to point you in the right direction.

•   Bringing Boxing Day to Bellingham
  

  Boxing Day on December 26th isn’t a holiday traditionally celebrated by Americans, but it’s an annual observance for our neighbors to the north in Canada. Although it’s often associated with Day-After Christmas sales, Boxing Day has its origins in Victorian England, when gifts were given to servants and the less fortunate on the day after Christmas. Here are some ways to continue the spirit of giving beyond Christmas with ideas for a Boxing Day in Bellingham.

•   Puzzles and Games for the Holidays
  

  As the holiday season marches along, you’re probably busy sorting out Thanksgiving menus and travel schedules. Have you even had time to take a look at the wish list for Santa that your kids started compiling way back in June? In alternative to a new video game system or latest must-have fashion item, here are some suggestions for holiday gifts that double as interactive pursuits that the whole family can enjoy together.

•   Lightcatcher's Family Interactive Gallery
  

  Since the Whatcom Children’s Museum at the George S. Graham Building closed its doors last winter, local families have missed the great opportunities for art exploration and learning that the facility provided in our community. At the grand opening of the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher on Saturday, November 14, 2009, Bellingham families will get to see the new children’s museum facility and discover that this state-of-the-art gallery was worth a yearlong wait.

•   Whatcom Museum's Lightcatcher to Open
  

  The creation of a facility that can simultaneously house both world-class art exhibitions and a permanent arts-and-activity gallery for families was no small undertaking. Keeping the whole thing "green" provided yet another challenge. Instead of viewing these stipulations as obstacles, the Whatcom Museum embraced such guidelines with aplomb. Their efforts will be unveiled at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Lightcatcher, on Saturday, November 14, 2009.

•   Local Teen Magician Sterling Dietz
  

  Everyone knows that October 31st is the day we celebrate Halloween, but did you know that the last day of October is also National Magic Day? Celebrated on the anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death, Magic Day is a time for magicians to share their talents and inspire future generations of magicians. For this occasion, Neighborhood-Kids.com was delighted to interview Whatcom County magician Sterling Dietz.

•   A Talk with Local Author David Westerlund
  

  In 2005, David Westerlund headed west. He originally left the East Coast to attend graduate school in Vancouver, B.C., but moved down to Bellingham instead. Right away, he loved the size of our city and the beautiful, green parks. He's also a big fan of the Bellingham Farmers Market, so much so that he made its products and people the focus of his first children’s book, "Simone Goes to the Market."

•   Encouraged to Eat Better; Eat Together
  

  When was the last time everyone in your household sat down for a meal together at home without the distractions of cell phones or TV? Research, compiled by WSU Nutrition Education, shows that families who eat meals together on a regular basis not only have improved dietary health, but they also have healthier relationships and better communication. That’s why October is designated as National Eat Better; Eat Together Month.

•   A Northwest Harvest of Apples and Pumpkins
  

  My favorite thing about the arrival of the fall season in the Pacific Northwest is seeing the beautiful colors that blanket our community. The bright yellow leaves and orange pumpkins make a cloudless, autumn sky seem even bluer. And there's no better place to see these colors on display than in the wide, open spaces of local farms. Check out a list of Whatcom and Skagit County farms that offer a ton of fun for fall this year.

•   Make Some Changes on Child Health Day
  

  A Presidential Proclamation designates Child Health Day as the first Monday of October in the United States. While a child’s health is a primary concern for parents each and every day, take some time to reflect on how you’re helping your child grow into a healthy adult on October 5th this year. Take an inventory of the food in your house, evaluate how much exercise your kids get each day, and change your own habits if necessary.

•   Plan a Field Trip with Your Kids
  

  As babies grow into children, they absorb information at an astonishing rate. Learning is especially critical during their toddler years, as experienced parents can attest, while their motor skills and language develop. These years seem to zoom by with constant questions and movement as kids explore the world. One way to help kids learn is to plan a field trip so they can get an up-close look at how the world works.

•   Celebrate Peace in Bellingham
  

  International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a United Nations resolution to provide "an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date." Peace Day events can take a variety of forms, from an individual classroom project to a citywide peace march. The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center hosts its 6th Annual International Day of Peace Program this year on Monday, September 21, 2009.

•   Celebrate Labor Day at B'ham Eat-In
  

  If your family is in town for Labor Day, check out the Bellingham Slow Food Eat-In, a great family-friendly event at Birchwood Elementary School. This noontime potluck is an opportunity to enjoy good food and friendly company, and to send a message to our government about healthy living! The Child Nutrition Act is up for renewal this year, so Slow Food USA is organizing families and citizens across the country.

•   Bring Kids & Veggies Together at the Market
  

  A trip to the Bellingham Farmers Market is always a great experience for families. Not only are youngsters enthralled by buskers, freshly-made cotton candy, and the hoola hoop testing zone, but parents have the opportunity to promote healthy eating and healthy communities to their children. Families will definitely want to mark their calendars for a special day at the Saturday Farmers Market at Depot Market Square on August 29, 2009.

•   Visit Lynden for NW Washington Fair
  

  A local event gets a “thumbs up” from me when you can find something to attract just about every member of the family. No matter their age or stage of life, there is something for everybody at for the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden, running from Monday, August 17, to Saturday, August 22, 2009. Here’s a breakdown of “must see” attractions at the Fair that someone in your family is bound to want to check out!

•   Once in a Lifetime Flight Over Bellingham
  

  Along with several other members of local, Bellingham media, Neighborhood-Kids.com writer Theresa Carpine had the opportunity to take a flight on Sentimental Journey during its 2009 visit to the Heritage Flight Museum. You can read more about the aircraft itself in B-17 Lands in Bellingham August 14th. The aircraft was scheduled to arrive at noon on Friday, but the unpredictable Northwest weather prompted the crew to arrive a day early from Tillamook, Oregon.

•   B-17 Lands in Bellingham August 14th
  

  Regular fans of Bellingham’s Heritage Flight Museum have an extra reason to visit this weekend when a fully-restored Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress returns to Bellingham International Airport on Friday, August 14, 2009 at noon. Restored and operated by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, the B-17 'Sentimental Journey' first visited the HFM two years ago. During this year’s visit, fans of flight have the opportunity to tour the World War II era bomber.

•   Random Acts of Neighborly Kindness
  

  Summer means backyard BBQs, time working on the yard and garden, sitting on the front porch drinking coffee in the morning and iced tea in the afternoon. All that time outside might give you and your family more chances to get to know your neighbors, if you don’t already. Take a look a few ideas that will help you and your kids spread goodwill throughout your community, especially in the summer.

•   Bellingham Arts Festival Takes to the Streets
  

  Make your way to Cornwall Avenue in downtown Bellingham on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, to celebrate summer with art, music, food, and fun! This year marks the 4th Annual Bellingham Arts Festival (formerly La Bella Strada), an event organized by Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Downtown Bellingham Partnership also brings Bite of Bellingham to the streets this weekend.

•   Get Ice Cream from Biking Vendor
  

  If you’re enjoying an afternoon outside in the yard this summer, you just might hear the friendly jingle from Tim Pattison’s ice cream bike. The sight of his half-bike, half-ice cream cart might be common on the New Jersey boardwalk, but it’s a bit more unusual in Bellingham. Tim has been peddling ice cream, and pedaling his ice cream bike, around Bellingham neighborhoods since the middle of June.

•   Laura Plaut Named Veggie Champion
  

  Local mom Laura Plaut, Director of Common Threads Farm on Lummi Island, was recently recognized by Hidden Valley® Salad Dressing as a winner in their Love Your Veggies™ “Search for Veggie Champions Contest.” Laura was one of ten women (all moms) from across the country recognized for the work their dedication to connect kids with healthy eating experiences, particularly when it comes to vegetables.

•   Saturday Night Movie in Fairhaven
  

  Is there a better way to end a summer Saturday than settling down on the Fairhaven Village Green to wait for the sunset and watch a movie with a crowd of 500 Bellingham residents? If there is, I haven’t found it. Truly, no summer in Bellingham is complete without at least one trip to the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema. Admission is a $5 per person donation for the film and pre-movie music by local entertainers.

•   Fun at Home for Lazy Summer Days
  

  Recently I took my bike out for a ride around my neighborhood and I was delighted to see lots of Bellingham kids playing in their yards. What a great way to let kids get some exercise and exert any leftover energy of the day before hitting the hay! If you’re looking for ideas that will entertain the kids during the long and lazy summer days and nights, here are some of the activities that local kids enjoy.

•   Summer Fun at Bellingham Farmers Market
  

  My affection for our city's weekly Saturday Farmers Market has been well-evidenced in the past, but it never hurts to take an annual look at this great community event. Some of the “don’t want to miss” happenings taking place at the Market this summer include monthly Kids Vending Days and bimonthly Chef in the Market demonstrations. And, of course, great food and live entertainment are featured every week!

•   A Day Trip to Lummi Island
  

  Something that I look forward to each summer is an annual bike ride around Lummi Island. Just about a mile off of Gooseberry Point, Lummi Island is the most northeasterly island of the San Juan Islands. A day trip on Lummi Island is a great experience for local families and visitors alike, no matter your age, and the price can't be beat. Half the fun of visiting this neighbor across the bay is simply getting there!

•   History in Flight at Heritage Flight Museum
  

  A Bellingham diversion that is truly great for all ages is the Heritage Flight Museum. From little kids fascinated with planes in flight to aficionados of space travel to the veterans that flew these aircraft for the United States armed forces, everyone in the family has something to enjoy at the museum. Major General William Anders helped found the Heritage Flight Museum in 1996 to honor military veterans and preserve military aircraft for flight.

•   Take Me Out to the Bellingham Bells
  

  If the kids are singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” consider a local alternative with our very own Bellingham Bells. An evening with the Bells is a great option if you’re looking for some affordable family fun this summer. The Bells started as a team of local players in Bellingham in the 1940s. In 2005, the Bells joined the West Coast League with seven other Northwest teams.

•   Ideas for a Healthy Summer Barbeque
  

  One of my family’s favorite summer pastimes is barbequing. Or grilling, if you’re a BBQ-purist. But the bottom line is that nothing says summer, to me, like enjoying a tall glass of iced tea while dinner sizzles on the grill as the Mariners’ game plays on the radio. And while I’d be perfectly content to grill up steak, hamburgers, and bratwurst every night, I know that kind of diet is not a very healthy way to live.

•   Summer Day Camps in Bellingham
  

  Summer is almost here! You and the kids deserve some rest and relaxation, but there are plenty of opportunities to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the season. Visit Neighborhood-Kids.com Activities to take a look at some of the summer day camps that are now open for registration. Here are just a few highlights that you and the kids won’t want to miss.

•   Boating Safety for Bellingham Families
  

  As summer approaches, your family might be preparing to spend some time on one of Whatcom County’s beautiful lakes. Or perhaps your kids enjoy sailing or kayaking around Bellingham Bay. Whether you're sailing or water skiing, it's always a good idea to review boating and water safety procedures. To ensure that everyone stays safe while enjoying time on the boat, take a look at the following tips and reminders.

•   The Best of Bellingham with Ski to Sea
  

  Ski to Sea is the biggest citywide event in Bellingham, celebrating our community and the amazing recreational activities available in this unique geographical region. Where else in the world can athletes transition seamlessly from skiing and biking to canoeing and kayaking? Over two weekends in May, a variety of Ski to Sea events are scheduled in and around Bellingham that the whole family can enjoy.

•   Fun Festivities for Mother's Day Weekend
  

  One of the most significant relationships we have in our lives is with our mothers. President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1911 after Anna Jarvis started a campaign to formally honor mothers for their work as peacemakers and activists. But some people think that Mother’s Day has turned into a commercialized observance. Perhaps one of the best gifts that a mother can get this Sunday isn’t a card or flowers or presents, but time with her kids.

•   A Great Weekend for the Arts in Bellingham
  

  If you head to downtown Bellingham this weekend, you’ll find a variety of visual and performing arts events for and by children in Whatcom County. Kids will have the opportunity to see and appreciate art by others, and also get the chance to create art themselves! Start of the weekend on Friday night with the 9th Annual Bellingham Children’s Art Walk, featuring artwork by local students at downtown stores and galleries.

•   Local History and Local Fun at Dirty Dan Days
  

  Who exactly is this Dirty Dan Harris character? The people in Fairhaven sure seem to like him—there’s a restaurant named after him, as well as one of the main streets, and you can pose for a photo with his statue next to the Village Green. Fairhaven residents and business owners even hold an annual two-day seafood festival in his honor during the last weekend in April with flying fish and racing pianos. Find out all about this fun, family event!

•   Celebrate Earth Day and Youth Service Day
  

  It might not be a coincidence that Earth Day, officially observed on April 22, and National Youth Service Day, April 24-26, occur at the same time of year. Both celebrations recognize the ongoing need for volunteer support and the importance of getting kids involved in community efforts. Check out some local opportunities to celebrate Earth Day and National Youth Service Day, no matter your age.

•   Lessons to Learn with a Coin Collection
  

  Starting a collection is a great hobby for kids. It can give them a goal or reward for saving their money, gives them a tangible occupation of their time away from television and computer screens, and they’ll cultivate a sense of pride in maintain their collection to show off to friends and family. The third week in April marks the 86th Annual National Coin Week, which might motivate your child to become a numismatic (or a coin collector).

•   Team-Up with everybodyBIKE
  

  A fun part of the spring cleaning ritual (for me, at least) is pulling the bike out of the garage, wiping off the spider webs, and pumping up the tires to get ready for riding around town. I’m definitely a “fair-weather bicyclist,” but, luckily, fair-weather in Bellingham rolls in just in time for National Bike Month in May. And even better for Whatcom County residents is everybodyBIKE, a bicycle education program for riders of all ages and abilities.

•   Laugh It Up During National Humor Month
  

  Did you know that laughter can lower blood pressure, strengthens various muscle groups, and reduce stress to improve emotional health? Humorist author and speaker Larry Wilde began National Humor Month in 1976 to increase awareness about the power of laughter to improve health and happiness. It’s only fitting that April was chosen to celebrate humor, since it kicks off with the silliest day of the year, April Fool’s Day.

•   Family Fun at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
  

  When April hits the Pacific Northwest, local residents can count on two things: a lot of rain and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Hopefully the gray skies clear up enough for you and your family to truly enjoy all that this annual event has to offer for locals and visitors who love flowers. This year marks the twenty-sixth anniversary of the festival, which spans the first full month of spring when the tulip fields are in bloom.

•   April is National Kite Month!
  

  If you head to Zuanich Point Park to take the kids a sunset stroll on a windy day, it’s not uncommon to see kite flyers taking advantage of the bayside breezes. Since April is National Kite Month, take some time to learn a little bit more about the pastime of kite flying. People have been flying kites for thousands of years. The first recorded example of kite flying took place in 200 B.C. in China.

•   Sherman Alexie Visits Bellingham
  

  When the first annual Whatcom READS! project was announced last year, Washington author Sherman Alexie’s first young adult novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, was chosen as the inaugural book. The culminating event of this community program took place last week when Alexie joined readers to share further stories of his childhood and answer questions about his work at several appearances around Whatcom County.

•   Turn Off the Lights for Earth Hour
  

  What are you doing on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM? If you’ve chosen to participate in the third annual Earth Hour, it means switching the lights off for one hour in a campaign against global warming. Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when over two million households and businesses turned off the lights for one hour. The now worldwide climate change initiative is organized by WWF, the global conservation organization.

•   Choosing a Preschool for Your Child
  

  Choosing a preschool for your child can be an overwhelming experience. What should you look for? A program that fits your family's schedule? And what's the difference between preschool and daycare? With so many choices, the daunting task can seem insurmountable unless you take the time to reflect on the following questions. By narrowing down what you are looking for in a preschool program, the decision won’t feel nearly as intimidating.

•   Book Review: "Part-Time Indian"
  

  A good coming of age story should allow the reader to transcend differences of class, race, and gender in order to identify with the narrator. While pointing out the distinctions between the fictional character and the young reader, the best examples in this genre will draw out the familiar and universal feelings of all adolescents in all cultures, in all times. Washington author Sherman Alexie achieves this to great success with his first young adult novel.

•   Words Words Words!
  

  The Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar celebrates National Grammar Day on March 4, 2009, encouraging speakers and writers to pay extra attention to the standard use of English grammar and spelling. To pass on an appreciation of words, check out some fun stories and games that all have to do with WORDS!

•   Alternative Traditions to the Tooth Fairy
  

  Losing a baby tooth is a sure sign that kids are growing up. And the most common way to celebrate this event is with a visit from the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy as we know it started making appearances in American plays, books, and cartoons in the early part of the 20th century. If you’d rather not perpetuate the myth of the Tooth Fairy in your household, check out a few alternative ways to mark this milestone in your child’s life.

•   Healthy Alternatives to Sugary Snacks
  

  Kids of all ages (yes, grown-ups, I’m looking at you) love sugary snacks. Unfortunately, they’re not very good for us. Too much sugar can contribute to diabetes and obesity, and it can take a toll on the teeth as well. So if the kids want a snack, try one of the following recipes. And they’re so easy that older kids can probably make them on their own! Take a look and suggest some of your own recipes too.

•   Blast into the Past at a Rocket Sci-Fi Matinee
  

  Although I’m pretty excited for The Pickford Film Center, also known as the Pickford Dreamspace, to open up later this year (fingers crossed…), I still love the intimate setting of their current theatre on Cornwall Avenue in the heart of downtown Bellingham. I don’t go to the Pickford just to see a movie; I go for the whole experience! And there's no experience quite like seeing a classic, sci-fi flick in 3-D, thanks to Rocket Sci-Fi Matinees!

•   American Girl Encourages Play and Reading
  

  If you have a pre-teen daughter, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the American Girls series. The line of dolls, books, and more have been simultaneously entertaining and enlightening young girls about American history and issues for over 20 years. Pleasant T. Rowland started the line in 1986 to offer young girls an alternative to baby dolls and adult/teen dolls. She decided to characterize each girl by various eras in American history.

•   Keep the Art of Handwriting Alive
  

  Did you know that we recently celebrated National Handwriting Day? The unofficial holiday was established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association in order to remind the public about the importance of handwriting. January 23rd was chosen as the big day in recognition of the birth of John Hancock, whose signature on the Declaration of Independence is one of the most recognizable examples of handwriting in America.

•   MaryAnn Kohl Helps to Teach Great Artists
  

  MaryAnn Kohl appreciates crafts, but her life’s passion is art. It might seem like a subtle distinction, but this Bellingham author has been publishing art activity books for children for over 20 years to help kids, and the adults in charge of them, understand that difference and to learn that art is important and worthwhile. To accomplish this, she teaches workshops with art project ideas for parents and teachers.

•   Get the Family Together for Some Disc Golf
  

  What’s a great sport that the whole family can play, no matter their level of skill? Disc golf. Or Frisbee golf. Or frolf. No matter what you call it, disc golf is a great way to spend time together with friends and family while getting some exercise. As the name implies, this game combines the skills of playing Frisbee with the rules of golf. There are some great resources and places to play this sport in Whatcom County.

•   Girls on the Run
  

  Did you know that January is National Mentoring Month? There’s no better time of year to devote your spare time to help prepare young people, both your own children and children in our community, for a bright future; wasn’t “volunteer more often” on your list of New Year’s Resolutions anyway? A great program for Whatcom County girls in 3rd to 5th grade is Girls on the Run, locally organized through Whatcom Family YMCA.

•   Is a Pet the Perfect Holiday Present?
  

  Picture it. The kids wake up on Christmas morning. You hear them scurrying out into the hall. “It’s Christmas!” they cheer as they burst into your room to help you throw off the covers and pull you out of bed. They stampede down the stairs and you hear their joyful squeals when they discover a puppy waiting obediently under the tree with a red bow tied to its collar. Sounds too good to be true? Well, then, it probably is.

•   Get Online for "It Moms"
  

  When you’re a mom, you don’t always have time to sit down to read a whole magazine or watch a 30-60 minute show on television. But you’re still looking for recipe ideas, creative crafts for kids, or ways to keeping the romance alive in your marriage. A great resource for moms is Better.tv, an online network with videos that cover a variety of topics. A show that you’ll definitely want to check out is "It Moms," featuring Portland-based moms Holly Resnick and Marni Renison.

•   Family Guidelines for Watching TV
  

  The kids are on a break from school. It’s raining outside. They’re tired of coloring or puzzles, and you’ve got a kitchen to clean. When you need to keep the kids distracted, it’s easy to resort to allowing an hour (or more) in front of the television. But remember: everything in moderation! If you’re trying to establish some TV-watching guidelines for your family, here are a few suggestions to keep everyone accountable.

•   Support Rebound’s Community Toy Store
  

  As you reflect on the many reasons your family may have to be thankful this holiday season, it’s important to remember that there are families in our community that face difficult circumstances and can’t always ensure that there are presents under the Christmas tree for kids. If you and your family are able, consider contributing to Rebound of Whatcom County’s Community Toy Store this year.

•   Give Thanks for Holiday Books
  

  This week, kids enjoy a few days off from school, getting to see grandparents and other relatives, and feasting on a delicious meal. In honor of this holiday, check out some books for elementary-age readers that celebrate Thanksgiving and other fall festivities. Just be forewarned that Bellingham Public Libraries and Whatcom County Libraries will be closed on November 27 & 28 this year.

•   Quiz the Kids for Geography Awareness Week
  

  Get out the map! Did you know that it’s Geography Awareness Week? Established in 1987 by a joint resolution of Congress, GAW takes place during the third week of November each year to emphasize the importance of geography education in the United States. A major supporter of GAW is the National Geographic Society, which encourages educators and students to get excited about geography by participating in their annual National Geographic Bee.

•   Learn about Bellingham's Sister Cities
  

  If you want to help your kids develop an interest in geography and other cultures in the world, you might want to start by investigating one of Bellingham’s Sister Cities. President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proposed the idea for this “people-to-people” program, now known as Sister Cities International, in 1956. Bellingham has participated in the program since 1958 and currently maintains “sister city” status with five cities around the world.

•   Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch
  

  While grabbing a pumpkin at your neighborhood Haggen is convenient, there’s nothing quite like loading up the kids in the car and heading out to a local farm to find the perfect pumpkin for jack-o-lantern carving, right off the vine. So here are a few facts about some Whatcom and Skagit County farms that you might want to check out if you’re planning a pumpkin patch expedition this October.

•   Flights of Fancy at Dream Science Circus
  

  In a warehouse across the street from Bellingham High School, you might not expect to find the thrills and chills of a circus in such a small space. But the intimate setting only magnifies the magic and wonder of Bellingham’s own Dream Science Circus. This U&I Production show has toured the country and the world, but they've returned home this October to offer a series of shows in honor of their 5th anniversary.

•   Parent to Parent of Whatcom County
  

  Parent to Parent is a support program that provides emotional and informational support to parents of children with a variety of special needs, developmental delays and disabilities. The core value of Parent to Parent is to help parents during an emotionally stressful time and to provide ongoing support in the future through a one-on-one connection with another parent. Our local Whatcom County chapter has been operating since the 1980s.

•   Celebrating the Freedom to Read
  

  Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is an annual event sponsored in part by the American Library Association each year. The nation-wide event gathers librarians, authors, booksellers, publishers and journalists together to remind Americans not to take their democratic freedom to read for granted. This year, the Banned Books Week Read-Out! Kick-off took place in Chicago, IL on Saturday September 27th.

•   Learn More About Banned Books Week
  

  Depending on their age, the idea of banning books might be a foreign topic for your kids, but there’s plenty you can do this week to educate them, and yourself, about the freedom to read. It's a great opportunity to share some early United States history and the First Amendment, and help kids see how their voice and opinions can make a difference in institutions, from the library to the government.

•   Activities for Housebound Kids
  

  Being sick is the pits when you’re a kid. Sure, you get a day off from school, but you usually don’t have the energy to enjoy it like you normally would. And depending on their age, kids can have trouble understanding why they need to stay in bed all day and put up a fight when it comes to taking that pesky cold medicine. So if the kids are home sick, here are a few suggestions to help make them a little happier, and hopefully make the day go by faster.

•   Meet Moms at MOMS Clubs in Whatcom County
  

  Starting a new phase in your life as an at-home mom can take some getting used to, especially if you’re also new to the area. A great resource for at-home moms in Whatcom County is MOMS Club. The first MOMS Club of Whatcom County began in the summer of 1999 and split into two chapters, North Bellingham and South Bellingham, in 2001. A Ferndale chapter formed in 2003 to reach even more moms in north Whatcom County.

•   They Don't Call It Happy Hour for Nothing
  

  While a trip to a local restaurant without the kids in tow could feel like an occurrence rarer than the appearance of Halley's Comet, Happy Hour deals on drinks and appetizers make for a quick getaway for you and your spouse, without the budget of dinner, a movie, and a sitter. So the next time your kids are invited over to a friend's after school, make a date with your mate and check out some nearby bars and their Happy Hour specials.

•   4th Annual Eat Local Week in Bellingham
  

  If you’re anything like me, it doesn’t take much to come up with a good “excuse” for eating out. But this week you have the perfect reason for visiting some of your favorite local restaurants—perhaps even more than once!—as it’s Sustainable Connections’ 4th Annual Eat Local Week, a celebration of the various local products available from Whatcom County farms and food processers during the harvest season.

•   Bham Music Lives On As Keyboard Kids Closes
  

  Near the intersection of West Illinois Street and Sunset Drive, there’s little question as to what services Keyboard Kids, with a piano keyboard painted along the roof, provides. But as owner JoAnn Armstrong closes the music teaching studio, who knows what’s next for this place where over a thousand children from age 18 months to 12 years received group piano lessons from “Miss JoAnn” during the past twenty years.

•   Kids are Walking to School Around the World
  

  School is just getting started this fall and Whatcom County kids are invited to start the year off right by participating in International Walk to School Day, on October 8, 2008. Organizers are hoping to include participants from 5,000 schools across all 50 states this year, as well as walkers in 40 countries around the globe. EverybodyBIKE organizers hope the event will inspire to walk to school all year long.

•   Bargains in Bellingham for Back to School
  

  When I was growing up, I loved the annual “Back to School” shopping trip. To save some cash, consider shopping at local consignment and thrift stores this year. It's a great idea for the budget-minded family, as you can often find brand-name clothes at reasonable prices. Plus, you can clean out your closets to consign clothes that your kids have outgrown, and a few stores in town even offer trades or cash for clothes.

•   Kids Can Get Familiar with Computers at WCC
  

  It’s amazing all that can be accomplished with computers these days. Just about anyone can record a professional sounding CD of music or produce a TV-worthy digitally animated cartoon from a home computer. If your kids are interested in learning about creating artwork on the computer, you might want to explore some of the programs for kids offered with Whatcom Community College Community Education.

•   Protecting Your Child's Safety on the 'Net
  

  If you’re reading the words on this website, you’re obviously an Internet-savvy adult. And depending on their age, your kids might also be well-versed in surfing the web. The Internet provides some great resources for kids, but there are potential risks that come with letting your child go online too. Before letting them log on, here are some precautions to take to keep your child safe when using the Internet.

•   Fairhaven Girls' School to Open This Fall
  

  “You have to use your imagination,” Amanda Werchan said as she walked through a former lawn mower shop that’s currently being transformed into a private school for middle school girls. Altering the barren commercial space into a school for 15 pre-teen girls seems ambitious, but with Amanda’s determination, the school will definitely be ready on September 2 for the first class of Fairhaven Girls’ School.

•   Bellingham Kids Get Crafty at the Library
  

  On a quintessential Bellingham summer day—sunny skies with a comfortable breeze—160 local kids manned booths at the 40th Annual Children’s Craft Fair on the Bellingham Central Library lawn. This year’s fair on Friday, July 25 featured 56 different booths offering wares like pottery, reusable shopping bags made out of t-shirts and duct tape, and tooth fairy pillows, along with tasty refreshments, like Italian Sodas and baked goods.

•   Taste the Local Flavor of Mallard Ice Cream
  

  My favorite thing about summer is the sun. Not only do I enjoy the warm weather, but I love the extra hours of daylight. When the sun doesn’t set until nine o’clock, there’s plenty of time for an after-dinner walk to downtown Bellingham for some frozen dessert. My second favorite thing about summer is probably Mallard Ice Cream. No matter what age you are, a Bellingham summer is incomplete without enjoying the wares of this funky, local ice cream shop.

•   Bellingham Schools Building Buzz
  

  The buzz around Bellingham Public Schools these days is about their current building projects. Along with updates and general maintenance, three new buildings (two for new schools in the district) are in various stages of development. With attendance boundaries shifting and unique visions for future schools, let’s take a look at some of the facts about these new schools and what the changes mean for Bellingham families.

•   What’s New on the Bellingham Waterfront?
  

  The winds of change are wafting through Bellingham, specifically in the Waterfront District. It’s been a soft breeze for the past seven years, ever since the 137-acre Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mill closed down in 2001. Recently, the Port of Bellingham and the City of Bellingham have made significant headway toward action in the development of Bellingham Bay's shore, although plenty of details need to be finalized in the next few months.

•   Swimming Safety Reminders
  

  A dip in a local lake or swimming pool sounds pretty good on those really hot summer afternoons. But when it comes to kids and water, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Before jumping in, take a few minutes to brush up on some are some reminders about swimming safety and find some local resources that will help you and your kids stay safe in the water this summer.

•   Cheap Ways for Water Fun in Bellingham
  

  As the weather heats up, Whatcom County families are searching for ways to beat the heat that are also easy on the pocketbook. For a free (or pretty cheap) way to cool off with some water fun, consider a trip to a local spray park or a nearby lake with swimming access. Whether your kids love to swim or just want to get a little wet, there are lots of fun ways to cool down in Bellingham for kids and adults.

•   Movie Review: WALL-E
  

  Just in time for the sweltering dog days of summer (and the three-day holiday weekend), "WALL-E" makes its way into theatres. And following in the tradition of previous Pixar Animation Studios movies, their ninth full-length film blends inventive computer-generation animation, a serene score, and thoughtful storytelling that appeals to kids and adults with its likable robot characters and a simple message about taking care of our planet.

•   Buskers Make the Farmers Market Special
  

  As you make your way through the Bellingham Farmers Market, you’ll probably notice lots of street musicians and performers scattered throughout the vendors. These individuals are called “buskers” and Market Manager Robin Crowder believes that farmers markets and buskers go hand-in-hand. “I think the two are perpetually linked,” she said.

•   Farmers Market Welcomes Kid Vendors
  

  Embracing the nearly-lost art of the corner lemonade stand, the Bellingham Farmers Market gives young entrepreneurs the chance to make and sell their wares to the community on Kids Vending Day at the last Saturday Market of each month. And the creative kids in Bellingham can be found vending just about everything: jewelry, handmade soap, flowers, collars for pets and much more.

•   Experience the Bellingham Farmers Market
  

  A trip to the Bellingham Farmers Market is no ordinary grocery shopping trip. At what grocery store could you find fresh and locally-grown produce, buy a new hemp outfit, eat authentic French crepes, get a massage, and watch a fire juggling show? If you know of one, I’d love to hear about it and check it out because all these things and much more make a day at the Bellingham Farmers Market a special event.

•   Caffe Adagio - Coffee with a Family Touch
  

  Dianna and Luke Del Diorgio had discussed starting their own business, perhaps a bed and breakfast, during their retirement years. But after the birth of their son Isaiah, now 3, they decided that owning a business would allow them to spend more time together as a family. They opened up Caffe Adagio, located in downtown Bellingham, in August of 2006.

•   Wedding Etiquette for Kids (And Adults)
  

  A wedding is a special day for two people to declare their love in front of their friends and family, and to celebrate that love with a big party. Children can be a fun part of weddings, but there are a lot of points to consider, both for the Happy Couple and for parents. In honor of wedding season, here are some tips to think about when including kids in wedding festivities.

•   2008 Ski to Sea Junior Parade and Race
  

  Running, skiing, and canoeing all around Mt. Baker and Bellingham might be a little intense for the elementary-age bunch. Luckily, kids can join in the Ski to Sea fun with a Junior Parade and Junior Race, both of which took place this past weekend in Bellingham. You couldn’t have asked for better weather, with plenty of sunshine making it a great day to be outside as with family and friends in Bellingham.

•   Biking Kids Around Bellingham
  

  If you’re a regular bike commuter, there’s no reason for your habits to change just because kids enter the picture. There are several options of bike transports for kids that are safe and diverse to fit your lifestyle and needs. And in a bike-friendly community like Bellingham, there are lots of businesses and resources here to help to help you find the perfect bike transport for your kids.

•   Feeding Family Spirit: Cards for Connection
  

  Deb Dole has always loved questions. “I’ve collected them for years,” the Bellingham mother of two said in a recent interview. While a compilation of questions might seem like an unusual collection to keep, Deb turned her casual hobby into an interpersonal family game and started distributing her product in the Bellingham area. Her game is called 'Feeding Family Spirit: Cards for Connection', which she began manufacturing two years ago.

•   Great Kid Reads for National Poetry Month
  

  Kids love poetry before they even know what poetry is. Any preschooler just learning their sounds and letters will be happy to tell you all the rhyming words they know. And they definitely know that you don't need to be a scholar to write poetry. All you need is an imagination. If you're looking for some poems to get the kids pumped for National Poetry Month, here are a few personal recommendations of books that will help kids learn while they appreciate poetry.

•   Why Kids Will Love A Trip to the Library
  

  When I was a kid, libraries always filled me with a sense of wonder and possibility. But I know that not all kids are as easily captivated by books. To find out what resources at the Bellingham Public Library might be help get your kids excited about reading, I spoke to Bethany Hoglund, Bellingham Public Library's Children's Programming Specialist, and she had some useful tips for getting the most out of your family's library experience.

•   Amateur Filmmakers, Get Ready for Ski to Sea!
  

  If you plan on attending Bellingham's annual Ski to Sea Race on May 25th, you might notice a lot of people with video cameras documenting the event. That’s because the race has a new feature this year: the Ski to Sea Amateur Video Contest on YouTube. Wanna-be filmmakers of all ages are invited to submit their videos for judging and you can enter as many videos as you can make. Creativity and family-friendly humor are encouraged.

•   Kids Take Center Stage at BAAY
  

  What are some of your child’s favorite activities for at-home play? Most kids can keep themselves busy with creative pursuits like singing, playing dress-up, and storytelling. If you’d like to help your child develop these talents and get them interacting with other kids, there’s a great local organization that helps kids get excited about music, theater, and dance: Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, or BAAY.

•   Mother and Entrepreneur Delivers Milk to Your Door
  

  Imagine trying to raise a family, finishing a Master's degree in Public and Community Health, and starting up not just one but two businesses in the same year. Most people would be intimidated to undertake just one of those endeavors, let alone all of them at once. But that’s just what Amanda Werchan did. In March, she launched Eco Milk Delivery, bringing fresh milk, bread, and other goods to Bellingham homes by bike.

•   Whatcom County Girl Scouts and Their Famous Cookies
  

  If you’ve visited a Haggen, Starbucks, or even Best Buy over the past two weekends, you’re probably aware that the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale is on across Whatcom County and the rest of the country. But you might not know that the Cookie Sale coincides with the anniversary of this organization for American girls, or that the second week of March is celebrated as National Girl Scout Week.

•   Get On Your Feet and Wii
  

  During the early spring in Bellingham, it can be difficult to motivate the kids (and plenty of grown-ups too) to do anything but curl up on the couch in front of the television on a drizzly afternoon. And if your kids are the kind that always have a video game controller glued to their hands, you might be excited to hear about some current video games that are getting kids off the couch and on their feet.

•   Healthy Heart Habits for Life
  

  One of the best ways to decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases for your kids is to give them the tools to live healthy adult lives starting now. Regular exercise, proper eating habits, and checking in with your doctor on a regular basis are important for kids and adults alike. Here are some helpful reminders to getting your kids started on the right foot to avoid heart disease.

•   Fountain Galleria Says Good-Bye
  

  After over a century, Fountain Galleria is closing in March this year. Kids, and adults, will miss testing out many of the quality products that could be found in their toy department, especially in their toy train section. The Bellingham community bids a sorrowful good-bye to this beloved family store. Thank you, Fountain Galleria, for the many memories and for the inspiration that you have provided for kids and adults in Bellingham.

•   Homemade Valentines from the Heart
  

  When I was in elementary school, it always felt like a special treat to go to the grocery store and pick out a box of valentines to pass out during our class party. As a grown-up, now I wonder if I could have been a little more creative with my valentines. Homemade valentines have an individuality to them that can reflect your personality, and they’ll show your friends that you thought about them specifically as you made their card.

•   Local Youth Storyteller to Tell in Tennessee
  

  The after-school hobbies of Maya Norton, a 12-year-old homeschooler and Bellingham resident, are similar to many kids. She enjoys athletic events, like gymnastics and swimming, and she is also interested in creative pursuits, like art and singing. But Maya participates in one activity that’s not so common for most pre-teens: she is a storyteller. Her skills have qualified her to compete in the National Youth Storytelling Showcase in Tennessee this month.

•   International Celebrations at the WCM
  

  Remember when you were a kid and you started to understand that there was a big world outside your neighborhood, your school, your town? That there were kids who lived millions of miles away, and when you had to go to bed at night, they were waking up for the start of a new day? The Whatcom Children’s Museum helps bring such global awareness to kids and their parents in a series called “International Celebrations.”

•   A Brief History of Chess
  

  I come from a family of gameplayers. Every Christmas, Santa would bring us a new board game. One summer of my adolescence, the four of us spent practically every evening on the deck playing penny poker. Life didn't change that much when I went to college. “Game nights” were always a great excuse to have a gathering, whether it was an organized Bunco tournament or an impromptu round of Speed Scrabble. But one game that never held my interest was chess.

•   Books and Movies Share Black History
  

  The life’s work of Dr. King and the history of the Civil Rights Movement can be a tricky subject for parents. It's an uncomfortable topic, but it’s also important to remember how far we've come as a nation. Even if parents are uneasy about addressing certain questions, kids can learn lessons about diversity and accepting each other's differences from discussing this history. One helpful way to start a conversation about some of these issues is to use books, films, and songs to share stories about African-American history.

•   Bellingham: A City of Active Kids and Parents
  

  It’s hard to narrow down just what makes Bellingham, the City of Subdued Excitement, such a special place to live. Many citizens enjoy our location's natural beauty, while others appreciate the strong sense of community here. One compliment consistently paid to our little town is that Bellingham is a great place to raise children. And that’s exactly what sets Neighborhood-Kids.com apart from other parenting websites: an emphasis on raising kids in our unique community.

•   Memories and Traditions
  

  When you hear the word “tradition,” you probably think of somber rituals where things of great importance are remembered and revered. Images of Tevye from “Fiddler on the Roof” belting out “Tradition!” on a country road might come to mind. Tradition is a word that I always think about during the holidays.

•   Kids Night Out
  

  On a recent Saturday night, I made plans to see my friends Avery and Ben. Well, technically I made the plans with Kelly, their mother. Did I not mention that Avery and Ben are four and two, respectively?

•   "By the Bay" at the Children's Museum
  

  Ahoy, mateys! Kids can learn about the fishing traditions and marine life of Bellingham Bay at the Whatcom Children’s Museum latest exhibit, “By the Bay: Working on the Waterfront.”

•   Movie Review: Enchanted
  

  Capitalizing on the success of their own Disney Princess brand, a line of clothing, toys and other products featuring heroines of the company’s cartoon features, Disney brings “Enchanted” to theatres for the holiday season.

•   Finding (and Keeping) a Babysitter
  

  There are lots of different reasons to need a babysitter, for various lengths of time and hours per week. As seasoned in-home babysitter, I’m happy to give you a few tips on where to find and how to keep the right babysitter for your kids.